GEOGRAPHY Maps and mongrels and metros, oh my! Researchers at an MIT lab have devised a way to determine how well commuters can comprehend a subway map—in a glance. (Fast Company, great article!) Use our resources to better understand public transportation, and how to map it. Discussion Ideas Look through our GeoStory “Public Transportation,” which provides maps for buses, trains, and metros. (Maps are not … Continue reading Building a Better Subway Map
UNITED STATES According to a new ranking by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, many of the nation’s cities are instituting a variety of energy-saving measures, and Boston tops the list. (National Geographic News) Be the mayor of your own city in our “Plan it Green” game, and see if you can match Boston for energy efficiency. Discussion Ideas The American Council for an … Continue reading Boston Ranked as Most Energy-Efficient U.S. City
WORLD Old Port City Leaps into High-Tech Future The Spanish city of Santander is using a network of sensors to help improve services and save money. The sensors measure everything from air pollution to where there are free parking spaces. They can even tell garbage collectors which bins are full, and automatically dim street lights when no one is around. Discussion Ideas: Using an app … Continue reading Old Port City Leaps into High-Tech Future
HEALTH Portland Voters Reject Fluoridation, Again For the fourth time since 1956, residents of Portland, Oregon, have rejected a measure to add fluoride to the city’s water supply. This leaves Portland as the largest urban area in the U.S. without fluoridated water. Discussion Ideas: Portland is the largest city in the U.S. without fluoridated water.Why do students think most urban areas invest in fluoridating their … Continue reading Portland Voters Reject Fluoridation, Again
